San Jose Diocese Identifies 15 Predator Priests

SAN JOSE — The San Jose Diocese released a three-page list containing the names of 15 Catholic priests who are credibly accused of sexually abusing children. The list included seven clerics who had not been previously identified as alleged child molesters.

“I give the diocese credit for releasing the list,” said John Salberg, a survivor who was repeatedly molested by Reverend Joseph Pritchard. “Little sick to my stomach about the fact that there’s a list and that this information is coming out now, could’ve been provided a long time ago.”

According to the Survivors Network of Those Abused by Priests, there are seven additional pastors who have been rightfully accused but their names are missing from the list.

After making the list open to the public on Thursday, church officials refused all interviews with the media.

"There can no longer be a culture of secrecy in the church, " said Bishop Patrick McGrath in a pre-recorded statement. "There must be a culture of transparency and accountability.”

The diocese said a complete independent report from a former FBI investigator will be released later this year.

It is the first time in the Bay Area where Catholic officials have identified predator priests. The Oakland Diocese and the Archdiocese of San Francisco are contemplating taking similar actions.